Ouch, 8am is never fun. I had quantum mechanics and quantum chemistry at that time (separate semesters, obviously) …followed immediately by complex calculus and partial differential equations respectively. As much of a pain as it was to get up that early, I can’t imagine it being anything less than absolute horror for the professor. You’re a dedicated instructor to agree to this, PZ.

I admit that I often wear a tie to class. Years ago one of my algebra students said, “You know, Dr. Z, a tie is a distancing mechanism to set you apart from your students. My erudite response: “Well, duh.”

After another long absence, I’m back. This blog is constantly changing and now after staring at PZ’s beard for a very long time, I realize I’ve changed (the thick goatee I had back in ’09 is gone…replaced by a clean face…to which I say, don’t do it PZ, don’t shave off the beard).

Seriously, get yourself an electric clipper. Cuts everything down to the same length. Not fashionable, but highly practical. Takes just a few minutes while you are reading a newspaper on Sunday morning. Works for the beard too.